How can I prevent my kittens from running out of my apartment?? Its driving me nuts already!!!?

Question

This is driving me crazy already.....Everytime I come home, whenever my kittens hear my keys in the lock turning, they come running and, at least, one of them runs out the door as I'm coming in. Sometimes, its one of them, sometimes it both and when its both its like tryin to catch a bird.

Now I live in an apartment on the 2nd floor so it would be easy for them to run and jump off or fall through the steps (cause they are open). And lately when they have been running out they seem to get further away from my apartment each time.

I don't know what I can do but I'm at my wits end now...I just went out to throw the trash and when I came back one of them ran out and up the stairs, twice!! I was/am so furious at them. I don't know what else I can do to prevent this.

I need some suggestions on how to keep them indoors.
Maybe a gate around the area where my door is? Or I could stick my Vacuum Cleaner right at the door and when I open to come in, I push the button to turn it on??

Answer 1

I think a baby gate at the entry way allowing the door to swing open though would be your best i dea for now but be careful they will be able to jump the thing when they get older try using a spray bottle to train themm that comming to the door when you come in is a bad idea

Answer 2

The baby gate idea everyone is posting about will only work until they're able to jump, which will be soon. There are things you can get that keep cats from going on furniture, put that stuff by your door and the cats won't want to go. I used to see it all the time and am told it works great, but I don't have that problem because when I open the door I'm careful and don't let the cats out. Just be careful and responsible. You can squeeze in the door and block them if they do try to escape. Always close the door after yourself. After awhile of being only indoor cats they will be scared to leave, anyway, but you'll still have to be careful.

Answer 3

The baby gate is a good idea but u r probably past that point with their jumping abilities already. I would agree you're in a difficult situation. My 1st impulse as a cat owner/lover is to use a spray bottle but that is extremly difficult to carry with you or keep outside your door. A childs toy net or a soft mesh net can be rigged as a stopper but that makes you jump through hoops & they still want to chase birds. I would use sound to your advantage. Use a noise maker or airhorn of some kind. If you do this each time it will make them develope the habit that going to the door is unpleasant. Then you can wean it down until you don't do it anymore. By then the habit should stick & they will stay away. I would see if the Humane Society has tips online for this issue. You could also try Purina or cat food sites for tips or helpful links to expert advice.Good luck!

Answer 4

Put the litter box, food, and water in an area of your apartment where they can't get near the door. Maybe in a bedroom or basement if you have one? Kittehs, naturally, have a lot of energy and are probably very excited to see you when they hear/see you come home that they run out.

Answer 5

I know you feel mad at them, but try not to physically punish them. Perhaps a little squirt water gun filled with water and squirt the moment you enter. Better yet another more friendly way would be to buy some Four Paws repellent and spray it near the bottom of your doorway.Cats and dogs are repulsed by the odor and stay away from where you spray. You have to spray the object you want them to stay away from every twenty four hours without fail.Good luck and try to enjoy your little kitten friends.

Answer 6

I've had the same problem with my new kitty, and I used a spray bottle--which looks a little silly, like going in "gun first." But eventually it worked. However, I was only going into my garage, so I had a place to *put* the spray bottle once I was out--do you have a place to put yours, just outside your door, so you can use it on the way back in? The noisemaker idea is good, too.

Answer 7

Well I had a pair of kittens that are sisters and they also did that same thing everytime I would come home. They are very excited to see you and that is the reason they do it. There arent really many ways to prevent it unless you put them in some sort of kennel when you are gone (which they wouldnt like.)

Answer 8

The vacuum idea is bad. You should never use something to cause fear. Especially a vacuum, since it's a household item that's used frequently.

Purchase a baby gate for the hallway to the door.

Answer 9

You should either put them in a room with their food and litter box while you're gone or, have a spray bottle full of water and spray very quickly as you open the door.

Answer 10

Put them in another area with a fenced in gate so they dont get out and have alitter tray food water and toys to play with.Something like childplay pen.